Final KM: Volta a Catalunya St 3, Dwars Door Vlaanderen(s)

We’ve got a mountain top finish, we’ve got cobbles, and we’ve got Movistar with a point to prove. Buckle up people, it’s going to get bumpy.

Catalunya Stage 3: Mataró to La Molina, 188.3km

Remember the whole contretemps about the TTT yesterday? Well, after reading the rule book in both English and French the race jury changed their decision overnight. Each member of the Movistar team received a 1min penalty and the riders took the start line with BMC as stage winners and their rider Ben Hermans in the leader’s jersey. Movistar were not happy – here’s the press release.

Alejandro Valverde let his legs do the talking. The Movistarlet captain chased down Dan Martin (Quick Step Floors) in the final metres to salute win number 101. Adam Yates (Orica-Scott) placed third after striking out in the final kilometres. BMC’s Tejay van Garderen moves into the race lead holding 41secs on team mate Samu Sanchez with Sky’s Geraint Thomas a further 3secs adrift.

Dwars Door Vlaanderen: Roeselare to Waregem, 203.4km

It’s just over a week to De Ronde and Quick Step Floors got their race tactics spot on. With two riders in the leading four man break, you could be forgiven for thinking that things would not end well. Not so this time. This time Yves Lampaert attacked at the perfect moment and soloed to a joyous victory, while Philippe Gilbert claimed the sprint for second. Astana’s Alexey Lutsenko lived up to his reputation as one to watch on the cobbles by pipping a strong Luke Durbridge (Orica-Scott) to third.

Highlights…

Yves doesn’t get the chance to ride for himself often. He’s also a a local lad, so this was a home turf win. Love that Phil Gil was so happy too #extraspecial #tearsofjoy…

Women’s Dwars Door Vlaanderen: Waregem to Waregem, 114.4km

Lotta Lepisto (Cervelo-Bigla) made good on her Spring Classics ambitions with her first victory of 2017. In an attacking edition of the race, the Finnish national champion (we LOVE that jersey) was quickest at the line, out-sprinting Orica-Scott’s Gracie Elvin and Lisa Brennauer (Canyon-SRAM). Have to say, there was SUPERB live tweeting from the race twitter account #chapeau.

Was just thinking the same yesterday. Gilbert’s decision to go for the cobbles this season is paying off and he’s certainly animating an already strong QS squad. I’m developing quite the soft spot for Senor Valverde – there’s no denying that ability to just keep racking up the victories.